Village of Hempstead officials are requiring any business wishing to sell alcohol and play music to apply for a cabaret license. The move comes in

HEMPSTEAD - Village of Hempstead officials are requiring any business wishing to sell alcohol and play music to apply for a cabaret license. The move comes in the middle of a debate between the state Liquor Authority and Mayor Wayne Hall, who says the organization is too lenient with granting liquor licenses. The village covers an area smaller than four square miles and is home to 165 liquor-selling venues. Some residents say the high concentration of bars and clubs makes for noise control issues, while bar owners say only irresponsible businesses should be targeted. Hall also says he will ask state legislators for the authority to order bars to close at 2 a.m. instead of the current 4 a.m. restriction.